Swansea City has joined the FA and Alzheimer’s Society’s Support the Supporters campaign
Swansea City has joined the FA and Alzheimer's Society’s 'Support The Supporters' campaign.
The initiative encourages fans to be vigilant for their loved ones by looking out for common signs of dementia to help them take the first steps in seeking a diagnosis.
The campaign is being backed by clubs and organisations across the football pyramid, including the Football Association (FA), Premier League, Vanarama National League and League Managers' Association, to help create a future where football is unforgettable.
Swansea City is proud to be one of the clubs leading the way when it comes to supporting those with Alzheimer's, and helping those affected attend matches at the Swansea.com Stadium. You can read the story of lifelong Swans’ fan Sue – who featured on Thursday evening’s graphic – here.
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. One in three people born today will go on to develop it in their lifetimes. But thousands are currently living with undiagnosed dementia, with many people mistaking it for a normal sign of ageing, being unsure of the symptoms, and too afraid to visit their GP.
If fans have noticed any changes in themselves or their loved ones during the recent festive period, they can show their support by visiting alzheimers.org.uk/sports to use the Alzheimer’s Society’s symptoms checklist and get further information on receiving a diagnosis.
An early and accurate diagnosis unlocks access to treatment, care and support, allowing people to manage the condition and their lives, whilst planning for the future. An Alzheimer’s Society survey revealed that 91 per cent of people affected by dementia saw clear benefits to getting a diagnosis, with many wishing they’d received one earlier.
Football is coming together at an especially busy time for the Alzheimer’s Society, as people often spot changes in loved ones after seeing them for the first time in a while over the festive period.
In fact, calls to the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Support Line were up 19 per cent in January 2023 compared to the 2022 monthly average, whilst registrations to the charity’s Dementia Support Forum were 29 per cent higher than the average.
The Alzheimer’s Society has been the FA’s official charity partner since 2021 and has already made a tangible impact – raising over £740,000.
The partnership has provided information that has allowed thousands of people across the game to know where to go to access vital dementia support.
This season, the partnership will also raise vital funds towards research that will help transform the future of diagnosing dementia, speeding up how quickly and how early we are able to diagnose dementia, changing the game for everyone in years to come.
Swansea City is proud to be part of the 'Support The Supporters' campaign, with the backing of clubs and organisations across the game helping fans better understand dementia symptoms and and the process of taking the first step in seeking an all-important diagnosis